Better Greener Show at Fairgrounds this weekend

GREENFIELD — The Franklin County Better Greener Living Show returns to the Franklin County Fairgrounds this weekend, offering attendees exciting ways to improve their quality of life while also living more lightly on the earth.

The show, presented by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and Greening Greenfield, will take place Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Attendees can meet home and garden specialists, find out about new products and services, and take workshops on home improvement, gardening, green energy, healthy living and more.

Approximately 45 vendors will be in attendance, including businesses, products, leisure services and green living. They include local builders and remodelers, landscapers, heating and cooling installers, alternative energy providers, pool and spa companies and other home improvement specialists. Attendees can also learn about steps they can take to make their home improvement plans a reality by speaking with representatives from local banks and picking up information on loans and incentives available for such purposes.

A total of 16 workshops, organized by Greening Greenfield will be held at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. daily. Participants will learn the latest strategies for reducing climate change emissions and enhancing our ecosystem by marking yards more productive and friendly to pollinators, birds and other animals, and homes more comfortable and energy efficient.

“We have technologies to change how we live, and we have an incredible line-up of speakers who will show us how we can use solar PV, solar hot water and heat pumps, all while making our homes more comfortable,” said Spartan Giordano, EcoLiving workshop organizer and owner of Spartan Solar, in a news release. “This year, in addition to local builders, consultants, and the owner of a tiny house, we have several speakers who are at the top of their fields and speak throughout the state.”

There will be two speakers from the University of Massachusetts Clean Energy Extension — Ben Weil and River Strong. Weil will talk about cutting edge technologies such as the Tesla Power Wall. Strong will discuss community solar projects that make it possible for everyone to have solar electricity, even if they rent. The Clean Energy Extension helps towns become Green Communities and reach their goals.

Other speakers include Lynn Benander of Co-op Power, who will give practical advice on how to achieve the ultimate goal of fossil fuel freedom and 100 percent renewables for all, while Mary Quigley of Quigley Builders and Sally Pick of SJP Consulting will explain how people can improve their existing homes over time to become fossil fuel free. Jim Meehleder of Turnkey Builders will discuss how to build a new zero-net-energy home — one that generates as much energy as it uses on an annual basis.